Kitchen worktops have to be trendy and fully functional, as you would be using them to prepare and serve food every day. People choose kitchen worktops carefully, for they have the potential of leaving a big impact on how the kitchen looks and functions. If chosen wisely, a kitchen worktop ends up complementing and enhancing the overall kitchen decor. If you are thinking of remodelling or designing a new kitchen, you can try out several worktop materials. However, your decision would most likely come down to using either granite or marble worktops like many others.
Granite and marble undoubtedly are the most preferred natural stone kitchen worktop materials, and people often find it difficult to choose between the two. This is because there are more similarities than differences between granite and marble. The best way to make an informed choice is to find out anything and everything about both these materials. Our guide below intends to provide you with useful information about marble and granite worktops so that you can conveniently make an ideal choice for your kitchen.
What Are The Differences Between Marble And Granite?
Limestone, when exposed to extreme heat and pressure, results in the formation of marble, as calcite present in the limestone recrystallizes and changes its texture. The veining and difference in colour in various types of marbles comes through additional minerals. The naturally formed veins and patterns on marble give it an elegant and luxurious look, which makes it a sought-after material for high-end homes. For enhancing the look and feel of this natural stone, you can get it polished even after installation in your kitchen. Marble has a softer and porous surface and texture compared to granite.
Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock, which is composed of compressed grains of quartz, feldspar, silica and mica. When the magma cools and large crystals of minerals develop underground, they give beautiful colours to this solid natural stone. Granite worktops London are popular these days, as many people prefer installing them in their kitchens. Attractive colours and natural flecks and grains of the stone help create a unique and pleasant appeal to the entire space. As granite stabs are available in the pre-polished state, people can directly install and start using them. Granite is porous but much lesser than marble.
What Are The Similarities Between Marble And Granite?
Both marble and granite are naturally sourced materials, which more or less weigh the same. After being harvested from the earth in the form of heavy slabs, they are finally cut into appropriate sizes and shapes to form marble and granite worktops London. Both the rocks come in a wide variety of colours and patterns and can be used in varying architectural and design projects due to their versatility. Therefore, picking a marble or granite worktop means picking a durable and versatile product that eventually becomes a focal point.
The biggest similarity between both these materials is their incredible resistance to damage and wear, which is not to be seen in other worktop materials. Both are resistant to stains, scratches and water. Marble and granite are susceptible to developing acid stains but that you can avoid easily. You can avoid spilling lemon drops, wine or any other kind of citrus liquid on the marble and granite worktop. In case you spill hem on your worktop surface, do ensure cleaning it as quickly as possible. Additionally, get your marble and granite worktops sealed periodically.
Which Material Is More Durable And Easy To Maintain?
Both the materials are durable, but granite worktops are ahead in terms of durability. They are much harder than marble and are more resistant to chipping and cracks. Granite also is heat resistant and so, can withstand hot cookware. Granite is not as porous as marble but exhibits high stain resistance when coated with a protective sealant. Liquid spills don’t permeate the granite surface and cause stains. However, marble worktops do develop turmeric and wine stains. Marble also tends to fade with usage and time. Therefore, you require getting it re-polished and cleaned at regular intervals for restoring its lost shine. In other words, marble worktops demand extra care and maintenance; whereas, maintenance of granite worktops isn’t that difficult.
What Are The Variations Of Granite Available?
There are endless variations and styles of granite available, some of which even look like other natural stones, such as marble. It comes in many different colours, some of which can give a calming effect to your kitchen while many others can give a bold and distinguished look and appeal.
What Are The Variations Of Marble Available?
Variations of marble are also in plenty, so you can conveniently choose the type that best suits your taste, preference and budget. The most common marble types you would come across are Crema Marfil, Emperador, Calacatta and Carrara marble worktop.
Conclusion:
Installing marble and granite kitchen worktops has many benefits. Now that you know the strengths and weaknesses of both the materials, you can easily make the right choice for your kitchen.